Gov. Edwards Announces $14 Million in CDBG Funding for Local Governments

April 03, 2018

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he was directing $14,089,640 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to 23 projects across Louisiana. The Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Program provides local governments with resources to meet the needs of citizens in rural areas and municipalities throughout the state. In addition, Gov. Edwards also proclaimed April 2 through April 6 as Community Development Week.

“The Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program allows us to address some of the basic necessities of our people by providing funds for sewer rehabilitation projects, water and street improvements, economic development projects and other priorities,” said Gov. Edwards. “This year, the program has provided more than $14 million in funding for repairs and upgrades statewide. provides critical support for projects that are necessary to sustaining and improving our communities.”

The LCDBG Program is a federally-funded (HUD) program that is administered through the Office of Community Development. It includes assistance for public facilities through grants that are used to provide and sustain suitable living environments by helping communities with funds for potable water, sewer, streets, and community center projects. The program includes LaSTEP grants which assist communities with funds for solving water and sewer problems through the use of self-help techniques.

This year, LCDBG Public Facilities Grants awarded $14,089,640 million to the following parishes and municipalities:

New Sewer/Rehabilitation

Bossier: $356,057

Concordia: $404,665

Abbeville: $800,000

Church Point: $427,000

Hammond: $675,000

Iberia: $439,430

Lincoln $240,000

Minden: $823,000

Morse: $311,783

Ponchatoula: $1,000,000

Lake Providence: $997,000

Opelousas: $1,200,000

Port Barre: $1,200,000

Pointe Coupee: $298,190

Streets

Atlanta: $303,375

Springhill: $297,570

Water Treatment

Marion: $897,700

Oak Grove: $770,000

Pollock: $369,600

Rayville: $624,700

Sunset: $497,660

Vinton: $818,000

West Carroll: $338,910

The program also provides Demonstrated Needs Grants that are used to help communities respond and recover from emergencies. Up to $1.2 million is made available each year. In Fiscal Year 2017, funds were used to repair the following sewer and water systems: Jackson Parish: $300,000 and Provencal: $256,641.

The program has operated since 1974 and has been recognized by Congress and the nation for its impact on helping supply funds for significant projects that many communities rely on.